THQ giving away instant codes for PC shooter Metro 2033

Publisher THQ is distributing free game codes for Metro 2033, but this isn't a contest. It's guaranteed admission.

All you have to do to snag a copy of developer 4A Games' first-person shooter for PC is "like" the Metro Facebook page. Doing so will reveal a key you can use to unlock a download of the game for Steam. You can also choose to sign up for updates about the sequel, Metro: Last Light, which is expected to release in March 2013 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

Last Light won't be coming to Wii U as originally planned because of the console's "horrible, slow CPU," according to 4A's chief technical officer Oles Shishkovtsov and Polygon.

Considering all the pressure THQ is under to launch successful games so it can stay in business, it's not surprising that the company would resort to handing out free copies of games. But it is an effective way to get the attention of potential customers.